THE Sydney Airport Jets' 34-22 loss to St. George-Illawarra at Henson Park on Saturday proved just how competitive Newtown can be with the best teams in the 2003 NSW Premier League. This match also proved how the Jets' errors and missed opportunities are invariably very costly against such well-credentialled opponents. Newtown's Official Patron John Singleton was in attendance, and no doubt was pleased with his team's overall effort against the power-packed Dragons.
The Jets had done well to only trail by 18-10 at half-time, after turning in a shoddy first half completion rate. Alf Duncan and Craig West scored Newtown's first half tries, with West's try coming from some slick scrum base work from new signing Craig Field.
Roared on by the big home crowd, Newtown had the Dragons back-pedalling early in the second half after a try to centre Dustin Cooper (on loan from the Melbourne Storm). However, the Jets failed to maintain their momentum and to make use of their territorial advantage, allowing the Dragons to counter-punch with an eighty metres try. The visitors then enjoyed a glut of possession over the next fifteen minutes, scoring two more tries on the back of repeat sets of possession.
Newtown fought back with a converted try six minutes from full-time, with Cooper seizing upon a deftly-placed kick from Field. The Jets' best were forwards Monah Elahmad, Joe Lichaa, hard working Tony Phillips and captain Troy Barnes. Dustin Cooper gave a strong first-up display, and five-eighth Craig West again impressed. Craig Field, in his first game of grade football in two years, showed what value he will be to the club in the forthcoming weeks.
The Jets travelled to Ringrose Park in the Jim Beam Cup competition on Saturday afternoon, and given the unsettled nature of the team's preparation for this match, competed reasonably well despite going down to Wentworthville by 44-18.
The Sydney Airport Jets meet the Penrith-St.Marys Cougars in both grades at the Western Weekender Stadium, St. Marys this Saturday (June 14). The NSW Premier League match kicks off at 3pm, and the Jim Beam Cup curtain-raiser is timed to start at 1.15pm.

LAST call for the State of Origin Fund Raising Dinner for the Newtown Rugby League Football Club and the Randwick-Petersham Cricket Club.
Special guests will include former State of Origin players from New South Wales and believe it or not Queensland, home of those dreaded Cane Toads! Mike Whitney will be the evening's Master of Ceremonies.
Wednesday, 11th June 2003, 6.30 pm
Petersham RSL
7 Regent Street, Petersham
$75.00 per person (includes a top class 2 course meal plus beer, wines, soft drinks.)
Raffles and great auction items, including tickets and accommodation for 2 to the second State of Origin game in Sydney.
Tickets are available from:
Petersham RSL - contact the Reception.
Newtown RLFC - contact Annie on 95500999
Randwick-Petersham Cricket Club - contact Chris Sullivan on 0410619019

PENRITH Panther and Australian center, Ryan Girdler has been named to take his place in the Panthers team for their game against the Melbourne Storm at Penrith Stadium on Saturday.
Girdler has missed all of this season through injury and will add increased depth and experience to the Panthers backline.

RAIDERS five eighth Mark McLinden is poised to sign a multi year deal and remain with the table topping Canberra Raiders. The news will no doubt warm the hearts of Canberra fans as McLinden is one of Canberra's favourite sons and his loss would have devestated many Canberra fans, including this one.